Level of Service/ Staffing on Fred?

[Eglesbrech]

Having done a few cruises recently with extremely long queues, lack of staff and poor service we have been looking at a Fred cruise as a change of pace.
 

For anyone who has been onboard in 2022 what was it like? Was restaurant and bar service quick and efficient. We’re there sufficient staff to clear tables and keep the ship clean.

 

Any insights much appreciated.

[Chanbre]

We were on Borealis from 17 to 27 June. One waiter told us there were 600 passengers and 600 crew on board; obviously they stated approximate numbers. Maximum numbers are 1360 passengers and 662 crew according to https://www.fredolsencruises.com/our-ships/borealis.

 

There were plenty of waiters circulating around the bars and seating areas. We were asked whether we wanted a drink within minutes of sitting down. Service in the main dining room was as quick as in any other restuarant, i.e. the waiters give you time to enjoy the dining experience.

 

The public areas of the ship were clean. We frequently saw the crew cleaning handrails. Several times saw vacuum cleaners being used.

 

Borealis appeared to be fully crewed.

[July morning]

We were on the Scenic Scottish Isles 9-17th July so the previous one to the poster above.  As they said plenty of waiters. 

We used the speciality restaurant (one night) called Colours & Taste it was one of the best meals I've had anywhere but the MDR was good as well.  What we have have found is that the hot food IS hot even the buffet is civilised being shown to your table that already has placemats, cutlery and glasses and waiters ready to take orders for wine etc your food was severed to you at lunch time there were stir-fry that you could chose or avoid something you didn't like.  We liked the grill on deck 8 at lunch time good burgers, fish& chips etc with nice desserts.

[Coravel]

7 hours ago, July morning said:

We were on the Scenic Scottish Isles 9-17th July so the previous one to the poster above.  As they said plenty of waiters. 

We used the speciality restaurant (one night) called Colours & Taste it was one of the best meals I've had anywhere but the MDR was good as well.  What we have have found is that the hot food IS hot even the buffet is civilised being shown to your table that already has placemats, cutlery and glasses and waiters ready to take orders for wine etc your food was severed to you at lunch time there were stir-fry that you could chose or avoid something you didn't like.  We liked the grill on deck 8 at lunch time good burgers, fish& chips etc with nice desserts.

No complaints about staff on the Bolette who were all very friendly and hard working these past 18 days.  

[Eglesbrech]

Sounds great. Thanks for sharing your experiences.

[jeanlyon]

That sounds good to me.  We are going to try a last minute on Fred.  Like the sound of Bolette.

[lohr500]

No complaints from us during our Scandinavian City Break Cruise on Bolette, departing 21st September. 

 

Passenger numbers were clearly low, but the service was faultless. No queuing for anything and plenty of space in the bars, restaurants and theatre.

 

Our only gripe really was a very long wait for a taxi when we arrived back at Dover, which I guess is outside of Fred's control.

 

Hard to compare Bolette to any of Fred's other ships as we had never sailed with Fred before , but we were impressed with the cleanliness, space and decor onboard. The food was excellent and the entertainments team did a great job with the main theatre shows, daytime activities and they put on a wide variety of musical entertainment through the evenings in the various bars and lounges.

 

Every member of staff we interacted with was polite and friendly. 

 

If we can pick up another last minute bargain booking this year we will definitely sail with Fred again.  

 

[ann141]

We have just returned from a lovely cruise onboard Bolette. The crew were friendly, polite and service was good.Would not hesitate to book with Fred again